Discover Princetown, Devon

Princetown, Devon, England: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Two_pubs_in_Princetown_-_geograph.org.uk_-_183733.jpg
Author: Derek Harper


Princetown is a town located within the Dartmoor National Park area of Devon, England. It was established by Sir Thomas Tyrwhitt, Secretary to the Prince of Wales, who named the town Princetown after his boss, who owned the lands of the Duchy of Cornwall.

Located at about 435 m (1,427 ft) above sea level, Princetown is one of the highest towns in the United Kingdom. It also is the highest town on the moor, and its railway station is the highest in England.

When Sir Thomas Tyrwhitt established Princetown, he also suggested the creation of a prison there. This was to house the thousands of captives from the Napoleonic Wars. Established in 1806, it became known as Dartmoor Prison. The prison closed in 1816, but has reopened since 1851.

St Michael and All Angels Church, Princetown: Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:St_Michael_and_All_Angels,_Princetown.jpg
Author: Tom Jolliffe

Visiting Princetown

Take the M5 motorway to Exeter. From Exeter, continue west on the B3212 road (Cowick Street heading west). The B3212 is a small country road that heads into Dartmoor, taking you all the way to Princetown and beyond.

Places of Interest in Princetown

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